Tag Archives: Apple trade-in program

The iPhone 5 release is only weeks away, and Apple is already planning for turnover. If you’re willing to hand over your old iPhone 4S when it releases the new 5, Apple will give you a $345 Apple gift card.

Through its Reuse and Recycling program, Apple plans to offer the gift cards in exchange the older model. Whether or not you are eligible for the trade depends on the condition of your 4S.

The first step in determining whether you’ve got a phone that Apple wants is to get an evaluation from Apple’s online wizard. The wizard lets you select the model, color and condition of your iPhone 4S then it will crank out an estimated value of the device. Obviously, scratches, water damage, or other flaws will diminish the value of your phone.

Their Reuse and Recycling program applies to other Apple devices, including iPads, Macs and even PC computers. The program has you send in your device to Apple for assessment. They’ll determine the exchange value and get back to you. If they say it’s not eligible for reimbursement, you can still turn your device over to Apple for recycling.

Gift cards can be used at any Apple retail or online store. Although you still have to shell out the money for the iPhone 5, this is a decent way to offset the cost of all the extras you will absolutely have to have for your new device.

Just for comparison, vendors on online shopping sites like eBay have iPhone 4S inventory. Some listings show the device going upwards of $500.